“England’s Focus All Wrong? Pietersen Blasts Team for Golf Over Training After India Whitewash”

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen launched a scathing attack on Jos Buttler’s side, accusing them of lacking commitment and prioritizing golf over preparation following their 3-0 ODI series whitewash against India. Pietersen, who has always been vocal about England’s approach in subcontinental conditions, was outraged by reports that England hadn’t practiced since losing the first ODI in Nagpur.

“I was flabbergasted when I heard that England had not practiced since the first game, absolutely flabbergasted,”

Pietersen said on Star Sports after England’s 142-run loss in Ahmedabad.

His frustration was clear: England, the reigning 2022 T20 World Cup champions, had just been handed one of their worst ODI series defeats. Instead of putting in the hard work to adapt to Indian conditions, Pietersen claimed the squad was more interested in playing golf and dining out.

🚨 “This is not a golf tour. This is a cricket tour!” 🚨

England’s Worst White-Ball Tour in Years

England’s 3-0 series defeat against India was the latest setback in what has been a nightmarish run in white-ball cricket. Since arriving in India, they have lost 7 of their 8 matches, a disastrous showing for a team that once set the benchmark for aggressive, fearless cricket.

📌 Results from England’s ODI series against India:

❌ 1st ODI (Nagpur): India won by 4 wickets
❌ 2nd ODI (Cuttack): India won by 4 wickets
❌ 3rd ODI (Ahmedabad): India won by 142 runs

In the final ODI in Ahmedabad, India piled up 356/10 thanks to Shubman Gill’s century, while England’s batting collapsed for 214 in just 34.2 overs. No English batter managed to cross 40 runs, further fueling criticism over their lack of adaptability and preparation.

Pietersen Calls Out England’s Lack of Preparation

What shocked Pietersen the most was England’s apparent disinterest in practicing.

“The day before the Nagpur game, they haven’t practiced since,” he said. “There’s only one batter, Joe Root, who has had a net.”

He criticized the England players for repeatedly making the same mistakes against spin and pace in Indian conditions, yet not taking the time to work on their game.

🚨 “There’s not a single sportsman — man or woman — who goes into a series, into a career, and decides I am going to get better without practice. I am sorry, I am just so, so sorry.” 🚨

Pietersen highlighted Joe Root as the only England player who had taken the series seriously, suggesting that the rest of the squad lacked focus.

Tom Banton Accused of Prioritizing Golf Over Cricket

Earlier in the day, Pietersen had also called out Tom Banton, England’s top scorer in the third ODI, for skipping practice sessions in favor of playing golf.

Banton, who was drafted into the squad mid-series, scored a solid 38 off 41 balls in Ahmedabad, but Pietersen questioned his commitment.

💬 “Tom Banton came in mid-series and decided to play golf instead of preparing for an international match. How do you expect to perform if you’re not serious about your game?”

With England already trailing 0-2 in the series, Pietersen believed Banton should have spent more time in the nets rather than on the golf course.

England’s Champions Trophy Prospects Look Bleak

With England heading into the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, their white-ball form is a major concern. Having lost 7 of their last 8 white-ball matches in India, questions are being raised about whether England’s “Bazball” aggression is sustainable in 50-over cricket.

Key issues England must address before the Champions Trophy:

❌ Lack of batting adaptability – England struggled against both pace and spin in India.
❌ Poor leadership from Jos Buttler – The captain failed to rally his team after repeated losses.
❌ Discipline and preparation – No training sessions between matches reflect complacency.
❌ Bowling struggles – England failed to contain India’s batting lineup, conceding 300+ totals in all three ODIs.

Pietersen’s criticism isn’t just about golf—it’s about attitude, hunger, and preparation. England’s lack of effort in training shows a worrying lack of commitment to white-ball cricket, something that could prove costly in next year’s ICC events.

Is Pietersen Right to Call Out England?

Pietersen’s brutal honesty has once again ignited debate in the cricketing world.

His key message:

✅ England players are getting paid to win matches, not to relax.
✅ Without discipline, practice, and adaptability, England will continue to struggle in subcontinental conditions.
✅ Their white-ball dominance is fading, and changes are needed before the Champions Trophy.

But the real question is: Does England’s team management share this sense of urgency?

🚨 What do you think? Is Pietersen right to call out England’s attitude? Should players prioritize training over leisure activities on tour? Drop your thoughts below!